The Morrison government has vowed to override the state to block legislation that would make gender optional on birth certificates. On Friday Assistant Treasurer Stuart Robert called for federal intervention regarding Tasmania “taking gender off birth certificates.” Transforming Tasmania advocates have called for Mr Robert to resign or be sacked following his comments on the state’s proposed birth certificate reform. Mr Robert claimed the proposed legislation would interfere with the Census, medical and school planning and cervical cancer vaccines. Transforming Tasmania spokesperson Martine Delaney said Mr Robert was misinformed on the reform, which will not remove gender from birth certificates but make it optional. “His more serious error is to say this has any implications for the collection of important statistics, because all the statistics he refers to will continue to be gathered and available,” Ms Delaney said. Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said it was clear Mr Robert had not read the amendments, supporting material or Hansard of the debate. “Our amendments include explicit provisions for original data to be retained in a manner that makes it accessible for all purposes, including medical records,” Ms O’Connor said. “Using serious illness, like cancer, to spout transphobia dressed up as a policy response is simply unethical,” she said. “Mr Robert’s threat to overrule any state reform on birth certificates is based on ignorance underpinned by a hard right wing ideology.” Liberal senator Jonathon Duniam said he supports this issue being addressed at the national level. “Removing gender from birth certificates has far reaching implications for the way we collect valuable statistics to deliver essential services and planning across Australia,” Mr Duniam said. “Tougher restrictions from a federal level will help to guide the states and territories in the best way forward,” he said. Do you think the federal government should intervene in state legislation? Have your say by sending us a Letter to the Editor using the form below.

Transforming Tasmania advocates have called for Mr Robert to resign or be sacked following his comments on the state’s proposed birth certificate reform.

Mr Robert claimed the proposed legislation would interfere with the Census, medical and school planning and cervical cancer vaccines.

Transforming Tasmania spokesperson Martine Delaney said Mr Robert was misinformed on the reform, which will not remove gender from birth certificates but make it optional.

“His more serious error is to say this has any implications for the collection of important statistics, because all the statistics he refers to will continue to be gathered and available,” Ms Delaney said.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said it was clear Mr Robert had not read the amendments, supporting material or Hansard of the debate.

“Our amendments include explicit provisions for original data to be retained in a manner that makes it accessible for all purposes, including medical records,” Ms O’Connor said.

“Using serious illness, like cancer, to spout transphobia dressed up as a policy response is simply unethical,” she said.

“Mr Robert’s threat to overrule any state reform on birth certificates is based on ignorance underpinned by a hard right wing ideology.”

Liberal senator Jonathon Duniam said he supports this issue being addressed at the national level.

“Removing gender from birth certificates has far reaching implications for the way we collect valuable statistics to deliver essential services and planning across Australia,” Mr Duniam said.

“Tougher restrictions from a federal level will help to guide the states and territories in the best way forward,” he said.

Do you think the federal government should intervene in state legislation? Have your say by sending us a Letter to the Editor using the form below.